I’ve put together a list of healthy snack foods – they have each been tested (and yes, approved!) by thousands of kids. Enjoy!

Polly-O String Cheese (part skim)

• You can never go wrong with low-fat cheese – and the added work of pulling the stick cheese apart will keep your kids busy for a while.

• Whether it’s all white or a white/yellow combo, one stick typically provides 150 milligrams of calcium (that’s 1/2 the amount in an 8-ounce glass of milk).

Glenny’s Soy Crisps

• One small bag provides 140 calories. And thanks to soy flour… 10 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

• They come in a variety of flavors, however, in my experience kids tend to like Apple Cinnamon best. Second in line - Lightly Salted and Cheddar Cheese.

Skinny Cow Flying saucers

• A fabulous treat for kids (and adults) at only 140 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. Comes in a variety of flavors from chocolate to peanut butter to strawberry… and thanks to fortification, your kids get 3 grams of fiber.

Motts natural applesauce (peach or berry flavor)

• No added sugar or high fructose corn syrup… which means half the calories and sugar. Only 50 calorie per half cup serving for this version… compared to 100 calories per half cup for the traditional sweetened.

• Always look for “natural” “no added sugar” or unsweetened”.

More Snacks to look for: The following snacks contain NO trans fat, and the saturated fat content (if any) is low.

• Flat Earth – baked vegetable/fruit chips

• Kid-Didits (available at Walmart supercenters)

• Pepperidge Farm ‘whole grain’ Gold Fish 100 calorie pouches

• 100-calorie packs – Oreos and Chips AHoy